To bathe or not to bathe.....
Although dogs don't have sweat
glands, they do become "clammy" and
sometimes smell a bit "outdoorsy". Catching some
of them is the first chore. Some dogs love their
baths, so I hear. For the ones who don't, here are
some tips for making it a more enjoyable time for
pet and owner.
The Place
Pick a special place where you can have all your
supplies easily available. It should be a place
free from drafts, nice and quiet, no distractions,
where you can talk to and "ooo and coo" over your
dog. Just reassuring "good boy"s and
"such a pretty girl"s, etc., help the dog relax.
It's also good for your back if you can have the
dog up on a table.
The Supplies

2 towels

Shampoo for dogs

Q-tips and ear cleaning solution

Timer

Comb

Brush

Nail Clippers for dogs

Dryer

The Bath
First, a nice soft, lukewarm wetting down. Getting
them really wet will aid in lathering up the
shampoo.
Put some shampoo into your hands, rub them together
with a little water, then beginning with the top of
the head way away from the eyes, massage in the
shampoo. Work slowly down the back to the hind
quarters then down the back legs. More shampoo and
water into your hands, rub together and massage in
the area under the chin, down the front legs, up to
the tummy. Set the timer for the 5 or 10 minute
soak. During this time, you can do the ears with
the special earwash solution. Be very gentle
because this is such a tender area. Take a wash
cloth and go over the eyes and nose, all the time
talking in your most loving, soothing voice.
With the remaining
minutes, give a massage. Rinse very very well
being careful to not get in the ears and eyes.
Sometimes, a repeat wash is necessary.
This time
you don't need to leave the shampoo on for the 5 or
10 minutes.Just shampoo in and rinse right off.

Now, towel dry, and easy does it. Dogs don't much
like being rub-a-dubbed roughly with the towel.
And sometimes, depending on what breed, it actually
breaks the hair.
The Ending
This is controversial. Dry then comb,
or comb and dry at the same time, or comb then dry?
Actually, to avoid stretching the hair it is better
to dry the hair first, then comb. Make sure not to
hold the dryer too close to the skin. If your dog
is afraid of the dryer, be sure to keep it lower
than the dog. They will be stretching their necks
to try to be above it so they can feel dominant
over it. This makes them less afraid. If you come to a
crimped section that's supposed to be smooth,
lightly spritz with water, warm up with the
dryer and comb out. If you come to a matted
section, gently separate with your fingers as much
as you can. Then, working from the ends up, begin
combing a little higher, gradually on up to the
skin. This way, you're not making the tangle worse
by clumping it all tighter together. Remember to
lay the comb at an angle as you comb to avoid
scraping the skin with the teeth of the comb. Be
gentle and tell your dog how pretty they are.
The Treat
This part isn't a must, but it helps the dog to
remember the bath as a more enjoyable experience,
if when you're all through, they get a walk or a
ride or a special treat, or something that they
only get in association with bath time.
Never over-praise. This makes the dog think they
just made it through a horribly bad thing.
We didn't mentiion the nails. Sometimes it's best
to let the professionals do this part. If you're
not sure where to cut, don't.
As with all experiences with your dog, if you act
like it is a pleasant time, they will begin to
come around to enjoying all the attention. This
will also make it easier on you the next time!